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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Aerobic Exercise

Orthotics

For many years Jody had swelling, pain and instability in both ankles. In 1992 she was considering surgical stabilization for her left ankle. Dr. Minor, a physical therapist, recommended that instead she discuss the use of orthotics with her physician. Jody met with Dr. Smith, a physiatrist. He found she had calcaneal valgus in weight bearing greater than 10 degrees, ankle instability, right genu valgus, ankle, foot, and knee pain, and he ordered an evaluation for foot orthotics.

She was evaluated by an orthotist who fitted her with bilateral Oregon system rigid foot orthotics. She began wearing the orthotics with an eight-week break-in period. The break-in period began with 10-15 minutes of wear a day, then 30 minutes per day, then 1 hour per day, and then 2 hours per day until finally she could wear the orthotics all day. Three months after the initial fitting Jody was wearing her new orthotics all her waking hours.

She noticed that the swelling in her ankles went down once she was able to wear the orthotics all day. The orthotics enabled her to gain control over pain and swelling in her ankles, so she was able to continue exercising.

Jody has been wearing orthotics for six years now. She is pleased that the swelling in her ankles has been under control since she began wearing the orthotics. She occasionally goes in for more lining but she says the orthotics are relatively maintenance free otherwise.